BEAT THE BLOAT

The festive season leaves us feeling a little bloated and sluggish from the overindulgence of delicious rich foods and more than normal amounts of alcohol. Whilst we are feeling extremely satisfied with the amount of food we have eaten and alcohol we have drunk.

To help reduce the bloating and improve your digestion you can consider incorporating the following foods to your daily diet.

Probiotics are live microbes that are ingested. They help rebalance the microbial environment in the gut, showing to significantly reduce abdominal bloating. Prebiotics are also extremely important and helpful for optimal GIT function, they support/feed the already good bacteria you have in your gut.

Grate ginger (thumb size) and place into an infuser and add to boiling water

Squeeze half a lemon into the boiling water

Wait 5 minutes before drinking

Enjoy

Increase HCL production to improve digestion and absorption by drinking lemon juice/apple cider vinegar in water (1 tsp in glass water) 15 minutes before meal. Add bitter greens for example radicchio, rocket, endive and dandelion greens to your meals, this will HCL production whilst also assisting with liver detoxification

Avoiding drinking fluids with meals as this can dilute your stomach acid/juices, which can slow down your digestion and the body’s ability to produce digestive enzymes. Drink adequate amounts between meals.

Consume regular small meals to reduce the amount of pressure you put on your digestive system.

Be mindful when eating and relax Eating on the run and rushing your food down can increase stress, which slows down the digestive process. Your brain is also responsible for signally the feeling of fullness and if you restrain yourself from eating until you are full, you will most likely feel full 10 minutes later.

Chew your food thoroughly Digestion starts in your mouth. Your stomach is not designed to digest large food pieces, chewing your food adequately will help your stomach and reduce bloating.

Drink warm liquids Cold water can slow down your digestive abilities. Where as warm water will support proper digestion.